'Wark! You! You aren't thinking of marrying?'
'If he's what my cousin says——'
'A man you've never seen? Oh, my dear Wark! Well, I shall hope and pray he won't think your housekeeping good enough.'
'He will! From what my cousin says, he's had a run of worthless huzzies. I don't expect he'll find much fault with my housekeeping after what he's been through.'
Vida looked wondering at the triumphant face of the woman.
'And so you're ready to leave me after all these years?'
'No, miss, I'm not to say "ready," but I think I'll have to go.'
'My poor old Wark'—the lady leaned over the tray—'I could almost think you are in love with this man you've only heard about!'
'No, miss, I'm not to say in love.'
'I believe you are! For what other reason would you have for leaving me?'